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Union Meeting Exercise: The 'Right to Work' Stress Test

You can try this short exercise in your next union meeting to start assessing how ready your union is to survive a "right-to-work" threat. Photo: Jim West/jimwestphoto.com

As the labor movement stares down the threat of national “right-to-work” legislation, we’ve been getting more requests for resources to help union activists get ready. To bring our new Labor Notes “Preparing for Right to Work” workshop to your local, email training[at]labornotes[dot]org. Meanwhile, here is a short exercise you can try in your next union meeting.

We know that so-called right to work is bad for workers, and we have to fight it. The silver lining is that the most effective way to prepare is to get organized on the job. It’s not easy, but it’s also not a distraction; it’s the core work of the union. The results will not only boost membership, but also get more members engaged and help us win on issues.

New Book

Secrets of a successful organizer

“From the feedback in the room, it’s clear that many members recognize the good work unions do. But they still often view the union in transactional terms, where they pay dues and get something in exchange. Positive associations about the union usually fall between transactional and inspirational.”

6) Ask:

“Of the three types of experiences, what keeps members involved for the long haul?

Key Point

The fundamental work is helping members see the union as our organization, where our power comes from standing up together. How do we do that? The union has to have a visible presence in the workplace, and has to fight for things members care about.